The Inverness Hotel and Conference Center is one of south Denver’s iconic AAA-four-diamond properties. Operated by the Destination Hotel luxury brand, the Inverness is located in Englewood’s Tech Center, close to downtown Denver and a short drive from the international airport. Travelers will find an inviting atmosphere with comfortable rooms, spa services, an 18-hole championship golf course, and an array of dining options for every taste.

Ideally situated facing the Rocky Mountains, the property’s recent renovations have transformed many of the interior spaces to convey a Western ambiance. As you enter the lobby, you will notice the bright, open, colorful, and airy feeling with artwork adorning the walls featuring some of Colorado’s best artists. Guests can relax in the comfortable gathering areas with seasonal décor like the Christmas tree and a cozy fireplace nook.

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Sometimes, the best vacations are ones where everything is included on site, and such is the case here. There are five dining areas, including two that have been completely remodeled. You can grab some finely roasted coffee and a muffin in the morning at Elevate Coffee Bar, enjoy the Champagne Sunday Brunch at the Garden Terrace (voted “Denver's Best Brunch” by Westword newspaper), or play pool and throw some darts in the Spotted Dog pub.

Photo by Ron Stern

A few drinks at Fireside Bar & Grill.

The Fireside Bar & Grill is a popular gathering place for locals and tourists alike. The open seating arrangement includes areas around the illuminated bar and large, comfortable chairs and couches in a lounge with a warm fireplace. The staff is friendly, well-trained, and happy to be there, as evidenced by how long they’ve worked at the establishment. Rudy Lopez, for example, has been serving guests here for 13 years, loves meeting new people, is proud of the quality of food offered, and often recommends items that he thinks the guests will enjoy.

Warm, house-made bread with salted butter arrives while you are enjoying a libation or appetizer such as candied bacon ($5) or the Rocking with Ranch Fried Cheese Curds ($9). Sandwiches include the Fireside Bison Burger (Lopez’s favorite) or a popular entrée such as the Palisade Peach Local Duck Breast with blistered corn mashed potatoes and farmer’s vegetables ($24).

If you are fortunate enough to be visiting during Thanksgiving, then you simply must make a reservation for their lavish Thanksgiving Brunch ($57.95 per person). This is a multi-room, extensive holiday buffet and sells out quickly. The 2016 menu included more than 70 items and featured seafood, small plates, salads, egg dishes, various meats, and desserts galore.

Photo by Ron Stern

Desserts at the Thanksgiving buffet.

This isn’t a day for skimping, and you can try everything on the menu like the cider brined tender turkey breast, strawberry rhubarb pancakes, ancho roasted jumbo gulf shrimp, and molasses mashed yams. If you still have room for dessert, try the orange vanilla crème cake or chocolate pear tart, or go for the individually prepared apple cranberry pie flambé with cinnamon vanilla ice cream.

Outdoor activities include golfing at a J. Press Maxwell 18-hole championship course where many accolades have been bestowed, including “Top Resort Course” by Colorado Golf and “Best Places to Play” by Golf Digest.

You can also pamper yourself in their 4,500-square-foot spa, featuring services such as massages, facials, and body treatments. Enjoy an organic sugar scrub full-body exfoliation or a seasonal bath soak, all in a relaxing environment meant to melt away every care.

Photo by Ron Stern

Inside the rooms at Inverness Hotel.

The rooms are open, airy, and tastefully decorated in earth tones with large artwork accent pieces. Some of the features include plush pillow-top mattresses, in-room movies, coffee makers, free high-speed internet, and environmentally friendly bath products.

If you are visiting Denver and haven’t stayed at the Inverness, do what so many have recommended on TripAdvisor and book a night or two here. While you may never want to leave the property, it is ideally situated to explore nearby shopping areas like IKEA, which is just across the freeway. Rocky Mountain National Park or Downtown Denver, including Larimer Square and Lo Do, are also popular. Located about 30 minutes from Denver International Airport, the Inverness is easy to find but may be hard to leave.

This was a sponsored visit; however, all opinions herein are the author’s.